TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 May 9, 2011
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Pelkey called the Special Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Ed Havens
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Input
Ms. Lisa Maneeley, Chair of the Board of Education came before the Council and stated that she is here tonight if the Council has any questions regarding the Board of Education budget.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated he hoped the Council knows where the Board of Education stands financially. The Town will be getting less from the State and it is important for the Town Council to know where the Board of Education budget stands.
Mr. David Joy, 100 Bramblebre and also a member of the Board of Education came forward and stated that he feels it is important that the Town Council approves the Board of Education budget in full because it is not know what will happen at the State level and could impact the Board of Education budget tremendously.
ITEM:
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan reviewed with the Town Council proposed cuts in Municipal Aid in Governor’s Plan B Budget (Exhibit A). Because there may be cuts in ECS funding and Transportation funding which would impact the Board of Education, Mr. Galligan feels the resolution for the approval of the Board of Education budget should be amended to add language which will allow the Town to reopen the Board of Education budget.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that this item has not been reviewed by the Town Attorney. Councillor Delnicki felt it is important to make sure if the Council amends the resolution in order to allow the Town Attorney review the language.
Councillor McCann stated that the Town and Board of Education will both be looking at large reductions in State funding which will be very difficult but the Town will need to go forward with South Windsor’s budget the best we can.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the Board of Education’s budget is fair and is the lowest budget he has ever seen from the Board of Education. It there are cuts from the State, the Board of Education and the Town will have to both reduce spending. Councillor Yagaloff stated that he supports the Board of Education budget as proposed.
Councillor Prague felt the Town Council should start planning now for next year’s budget. Spending should be watched very closely this year in order to be able to turn funds over for next year’s budget. Councillor Prague stated he would be supporting the Board of Education budget as proposed.
Answering questions from Councillor Bazzano, Mr. Galligan explained that the Council has the ability to change the General Government budget after it is approved, but not the Board of Education budget. The only way the Board of Education budget can be changed is if there was legislation that allows the Towns to reopen the Board of Education budget. Mr. Galligan suggested that the Town Council establish a policy which talks about a two year budget process.
ITEM:
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2011/2012
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $64,000,027, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2011 and terminating on June 30, 2012, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Havens felt that a contingency plan should be established in case the State does take funding away.
Mayor Pelkey stated that the Board of Education presented a reasonable budget, but depending on what happens at the State level to balance the State budget, an alternate plan should be established.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to amend the resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $64,000,027, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2011 and terminating on June30, 2012, a copy of which budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk and based on the allocation of ECS funding and Transportation funding totaling $12,995,998, any reduction from said funding may result in an equal reduction of the Board of Education budget.
Deputy Mayor Havens seconded the amendment.
Mayor Pelkey felt that this gives the Town the ability to negotiate with the Board of Education if the State takes funding away from the Town.
Councillor McCann stated that the most important thing the Town Council spends money on is the Board of Education, safety and the roads. These items protect the values of properties as well as make the Town an enjoyable place to live. The Board of Education has done a good job addressing their budget. Councilor McCann said he understands the amendment because of
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
the significant cuts that may come to the Town of South Windsor but feels the cuts will not be as large as what has been discussed. The Board of Education will hopefully have a surplus at the end of the year that will cover any shortfalls of funds from the State. Councillor McCann also stated that he does not think the Town can go back into the Board of Education budget after it has been set. At this time Councillor McCann stated he is not inclined to include the amendment into the resolution and feels the Town Council should recess the Special Meeting to discuss the legality of opening the Board of Education budget after it has been set.
Councillor Delnicki stated the Town has not spoken to the Town Attorney and feels the Town Council should recess the Special Meeting to try to reach the Town Attorney to get an opinion regarding the amendment.
Mayor Pelkey said he has not problem to try to reach the Town Attorney. The amendment was offered to give options and discuss them.
Councillor Prague explained that two years ago the State did cut funding by $2,000,000 and at that time Legislature passed a bill to allow Town’s to reopen their Board of Education budgets. Councillor Prague then stated he would like to see South Windsor do two year budgets.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to table Item 6. A. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously
7. Executive Session
At 7:55 p.m. Mayor Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss possible sale of tax lien on property located at 85 Nutmeg Road (Hi-G building); and to discuss a draft agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §and §1-210(b)(4). Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Town Manager Galligan, Councillors Anwar, Bazzano, Delnicki, Favreau, McCann, Prague and Yagaloff.
ITEM:
7. Executive Session (Continued)
At 8:28 p.m. Mayor Pelkey made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councillor Favreau seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Pelkey then made a motion to remove from the table Item 6. A. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2011/2012
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $64,000,027, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2011 and terminating on June 30, 2012, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk and based on the allocation of ECS funding and Transportation funding totaling $12,995,998, any reduction from said funding may result in an equal reduction of the Board of Education budget.
Answering questions from Chairperson Maneeley, Mayor Pelkey explained that the Town would like to have a contingency plan in case the State takes large amounts of grants from the Town. This amendment will allow the Town and the Board of Education to handle a funding loss together and be able to take from both the Town budget and the State budget.
Councillor Anwar stated he would be supporting the Board of Education budget without the amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff also felt that the Town Council should approve the Board of Education budget without the amendment. If there is a shortfall in funds from the State, the Council can then discuss a contingency plan which may result in an increase to taxes.
Mr. Galligan suggested that the Town Council put into the General Government a slight increase in taxes so there could be a cushion in case the State eliminates some grant funds to the Town.
Councillor Delnicki also felt the Town Council should not add the amendment to the resolution.
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Mayor Pelkey withdrew his amendment.
Mayor Pelkey then called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
The Resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $64,000,027, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2011 and terminating on June 30, 2012, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
8. Adjournment
At 8:50 p.m. Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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